Nations for Jesus is caring for the Dalit Children

Welcome to the November edition of the Nations for Jesus! This blog includes:

1. A Thought on Thanksgiving
2. About the Dalit
3. Hope for Vikram
4. A Closing Thought
5. Quick links

A Thought on Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches, it is good and wise to think about all of the things we are grateful to God for. Although this year has been difficult economically for most of us, we still have shelter and food on our tables. More importantly, we have the love of our families, friends, and churches. We are truly blessed.

Maybe there are some who are not convinced of this, but I would ask those individuals to turn their thoughts to a people who know only destitution, suffering, and condemnation all of their days. The Dalits of India have little hope of ever enjoying a better life because they are part of the untouchable caste—the lowest class of society.

About the Dalit

Dalit is a term that means, “crushed underfoot” or “broken into pieces,” which is just what these pitiable people endure daily. They live in subhuman, degrading conditions, and face constant assault, harassment, and the threat of enslavement through human trafficking. The only work they are permitted to do is that which is considered ritually impure, such as cleaning latrines by hand or clearing away animal carcasses.

You may be wondering why the Dalits are so mistreated. What have they done that would warrant such terrible oppression and exploitation? It is because of the Hindu caste system, which dictates a person’s social status at birth. In other words, they were simply born into the wrong family. Although this caste hierarchy was outlawed in India, Dalits are still oppressed by it and have no way out of their lot in life.

With so much against them, it may appear that they have nothing to be thankful for. Their situation seems hopeless—and from an earthly standpoint it is. Yet, we must always remember that, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God" (Luke 18:27).

The Lord is able to help in every situation—even those of the Dalits. In fact, Psalm 113:7 promises, “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap” (Ps. 113:7).

Hope for Vikram

Seven-year old Gajjala Vikram comes from a Dalit background and has seen this to be true. His father died of a heart attack and his mother has no financial resources to provide bread, shelter, or education to him and his siblings. She was not even permitted to do daily labor because of her position as a Dalit. Because of her desperate situation, she asked one of the Nations For Jesus (NFJ) Hope Centers for help.

Vikram was admitted to the Hope Center and was provided with a high quality English language education so he could break free from his family’s cycle of illiteracy and poverty and begin a new future. He was also given food, clothing, medical care, and spiritual instruction so he could grow in a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.

How has Vikram responded to his new surroundings? He has become a very active and bright student, and has embraced the ministry at the Hope Center wholeheartedly. He is thankful that someone cared enough about him to nourish him in both spiritual and physical matters, and is encouraged that he can one day pursue an honorable, worthwhile career such as being a pastor, doctor, engineer, or teacher.

God is working and blessing among the Dalits, and even they have reason to praise Him. Of course, there are many children like Vikram who continue to need help and hope. So I pray that as you think about all the things you are grateful for this Thanksgiving, you will turn your thoughts to them. Ask the Father to reveal Himself to the Dalit people and give them confidence that their lives can be better through Jesus Christ. Then praise Him that even when there is no earthly hope, He is able to do the impossible and provide a way for us to be saved.

A Closing Thought

Where the world sees an untouchable, Jesus beholds someone He loves and desires to save. These helpless victims of oppression, poverty, abuse, and disease are constantly told they are worthless and unwanted. But through your partnership Nations for Jesus, God tells them they matter and that He created them for a special purpose. So on their behalf, I would like to thank you. Thank you for providing them with shelter, nutritious meals, education, health care, and spiritual instruction. Thank you for caring about those whom the world discards. And thank you for following God in obedience today and every day. May He bless you always.